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This and That November 2020 |
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50 things to see in the sky
by Sarah Barker
Astronomy for the amateur astronomer, this hip and handy guide helps you learn the science behind blue skies, sun dogs, and the solar eclipse, and shows you how to observe nocturnal wonders such as lunar halos, Martian ice caps, and far-off galaxies. Fifty celestial phenomena come to life with expert tips from astrophysicist Sarah Barker and stylish illustrations by Maria Nilsson.
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We Have No Idea : A Guide to the Unknown Universe
by Jorge Cham
"How many dimensions are there? What happened during the big bang? What is dark energy? Who is shooting superfast particles at the earth? These are simple questions with complicated answers that we don’t yet understand. But Whiteson, a particle physicist, and Cham, a Ph.D. in robotics and creator of the webcomic PHD Comics, team up to explore them anyway, emphasizing how little we know—not to demoralize readers, but to excite them about “the incredible amount of uncharted territory left to explore.” The authors’ enthusiasm for the subject matter is evident, as is their skill at distilling such heavy matter to a palatable level of comprehension." -- Booklist, May 2017
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Madame Clairvoyant's guide to the stars : astrology, our icons, and our selves
by Claire Comstock-Gay
Comstock-Gay, who writes as Madame Clairevoyant for New York magazine’s The Cut website, draws on her personal life and pop culture in this delightful exploration of ways to use astrology in day-to-day life. After stating her book is not “a reference...or study guide,” she delves into the 12 zodiac signs, listing common traits and predilections, and offering advice. She also touches on how other zodiac signs play a part in natal astrology, emphasizing that celestial placements at birth and in life can help one think about one’s sense of self. Comstock-Gay’s wide-ranging introduction will please fans of her horoscopes, as well as any amateur astrologist." -- Publishers Weekly, January 2020
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The universe explained : a cosmic Q&A
by Heather Couper
"Inspired by questions the astronomer-authors received after giving presentations, this book is an entertaining and informative collection of facts. Related questions are grouped into 14 different topics ranging from “Sky Sights” to “Alien Life.” From the classic “why is the sky blue?” to “are there more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth’s beaches?,” the answers are informative and at times thought-provoking. The writing style is chatty and will appeal to curious readers." -- Booklist February 2019
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Nuking the moon : and other intelligence schemes and military plots left on the drawing board
by Vince Houghton
International Spy Museum historian Houghton recounts in his entertaining first book, driven by pressure to gain an edge over WWII and Cold War adversaries, some of the U.S.'s smartest researchers dreamed up crazy military and espionage schemes that were ultimately consigned to the dustbin. Alternately terrifying and hilarious, this book leaves the reader wondering what bizarre schemes are in the works in today's top-secret corridors of power." -- Publishers Weekly, April 2019
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Stargazing with binoculars
by Robin Scagell
Presents information about using binoculars for astronomy, describing how they work and the models available and describing the celestial bodies that can be observed in the night sky for every month of the year in the southern and northern hemispheres
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Dark skies : a practical guide to astrotourism
by Valerie Stimac
Witnessing the sweep of the Milky Way, the remains of comets burning up in our atmosphere, or the shimmering aurora, we better understand the universe and our place in it. Lonely Planet's Dark Skies, can help you experience all of this and more first-hand.
Meticulously researched by dark sky expert Valerie Stimac, this comprehensive companion includes guides to 35 dark-sky sites and national parks, where to see the aurora, the next decade of total solar eclipses and how to view rocket launches, plus the lowdown on commercial space flight, observatories and meteor showers.
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How to live in space : everything you need to know for the not-so-distant future
by Colin Stuart
"Royal Astronomical Society fellow Stuart offers an engaging and colorfully illustrated guide to prepping for life in space. In three information-packed sections, Stuart covers the basic training needed to survive a rocket-propelled launch, the nuances of gravity-free living, and a preview of humankind’s future on the Moon and Mars. Along the way, he takes readers on a trip aboard the “vomit comet,” a plane designed to acclimate prospective astronauts to weightlessness; deconstructs lunar toilets; and extols the benefits of asteroid mining, among other fascinating tidbits. An exhilarating virtual ride for space buffs everywhere."-- Booklist, August 2018
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